This season’s olfactory treasures from Versace, Calvin Klein and more capture the true essence of fall to enchant and inspire each day
Feeling So Energetic
It feels like yesterday when Versace added Eros Parfum to its iconic Eros fragrance line. This year, the house has delighted fans and perfume enthusiasts with Eros Energy. Unlike its predecessors—which are built on a citrus-vanilla structure, the new fragrance comes brighter as a citrusy-musky blend inspired by the Mediterranean coastline. The opening is a vibrant mix of Sicilian bergamot, mandarin, lemon, lime, grapefruit and blood orange. Black currant meets amber at the heart, spiced up by pink pepper. Later, the fragrance dries down to comforting notes of patchouli, oakmoss and musk. To celebrate the creation’s inception, “Magic Mike” star Channing Tatum has been appointed the face of Eros Energy’s campaign.
Sempre Pianissimo
Soothing piano music might be all one needs to decompress, and L’Orchestre translated this idea into an olfactive creation dubbed Piano Santal. The fragrance is designed by pianist-turned-perfumer Jean Jacques who envisaged a languorous, dream-like composition. To achieve this vision, he pairs the titular material sandalwood with milky notes, resulting in a warm, creamy accord. White musk and ambroxan lend a powdery touch to the blend, while bergamot and caraway add a subtle spicy-citrusy facet. Lastly, cedarwood notes offer a sensual dry-down that embraces the skin. The eau de parfum is packaged in a black-ivory-gold flacon reminiscent of a grand piano. Available at C&F.
The New Essential
Calvin Klein has expanded its CK One perfume collection with CK One Essence. Higher in concentration, the fragrance reimagines the 1994 CK One with greater intensity and a new olfactive architecture, while remaining true to the original DNA. The fragrance opens with a spicy, citrusy opening comprising bergamot, blood orange, white tea and black pepper notes. White floral notes are replaced by geranium, mint and green tea in the heart, while the dry-down reveals moss, sandalwood and musk, enriched with the sensual smokiness of incense. The iconic CK One bottle is now presented in a bold metallic finish.
Definitely His Forte
Continuing the legacy of the iconic Sauvage line on, Dior introduces Sauvage Eau Forte. Designed by Francis Kurkdjian, the alcohol-free blend captures ptures the essence of untamed nature without relying on aquatic or citrus notes. Instead, spices are drenched in water, resulting in both cool and warm spicy accords. Elemi is then infused to add more complexity before notes of bleached lavender bloom at heart. The base boasts a woody charm enriched with a musky facet. To celebrate the creation, the house has enlisted the longstanding muse of the brand, “Pirates of the Caribbean” star Johnny Depp, to front the campaign.
The Salt of Life
Salt is a natural gift that adds flavor to life. On that note, Issey Miyake pays tribute to this essential element with its latest fragrance, Le Sel d’Issey. Perfumer Quentin Bisch had an idea of bridging the land and the sea, juxtaposing marine accords with woody and earthy notes. The fragrance opens with invigorating spiciness and sparkling saltiness from sea salt and ginger. Seaweed and vetiver notes later form an aromatic earthy heart. After a while, the saltiness dissipates and leaves wearers with an inviting layer of cedarwood and oakmoss. Issey Miyake is available at Galeries Lafayette.
My Daily Caffeine
Coffee can give a quick boost of energy in the morning. Inspired by this bitter luxury, master perfumer Olivier Cresp created a delicious gourmand number named Awake for his brand, Akro. With a rather simple composition, the fragrance captures an evocative smell of a cup of hot, caffeinated goodness. The opening is a straight kick of coffee, brightened by a note of Italian lemon. Cardamom then enters while the bitterness of coffee is still in the air, lending an aromatic and spicy touch. Later, vetiver forms a soft, earthy base that leaves wearers captivated. Akro is available at Amaris.